A
Girl and her Scoot
Day 1 - HCR VI
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April 3, 2003 - We met at the Petro parking lot in Weatherford for the ride to Fredericksburg. Pilgrim was our fearless leader. The other riders were Sweeper, Drake, and Drake's dad, Ed. The plan was to meet up with Chickiefly a little later. Sweeper and Pilgrim ride Mean Streaks, Drake has a 1500 Classic and Ed is a Harley man. I was on the little scoot, Vulcan 750, which I have nicknamed "boyfriend". I was too excited to remember to snap a picture before we began the ride.
Picture of Pilgrim and his Mean Streak (later at the hotel):
A note on Pilgrim - He lives in Weatherford, like me. He has a beautiful new Mean Streak, is active in Southern Cruisers, and is retired. Consequently, he has time to seek out the great roads in the area, and more importantly, knows all the restaurants in between.
Pilgrim's planned route:
KSU 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, 4/3/03.
From Iron Skillet parking lot [Petro] I-20 at 409 Exit in Weatherford
S/SW on Hwy 51 to Granbury
S on Hwy 144 to Glen Rose [Note: 9:10 ETA @ Diamond Shamrock station on Hwy 67]
S/SW on US 67 to Hwy 220 in Hico
W on Hwy 6 to US 281
S on US 281 to Hwy 36 in Hamilton
[Important! Top off gas tanks in Hamilton.]
W/NW on Hwy 36 to FM 218
S/SW on FM 218 to FM 2005 (Schoolerville Road)
S/SW on FM 2005 (becomes Ranch Rd 2005) to US 84
W on US 84 into Goldthwaite to US 183/Hwy 16
S on US 183/Hwy 16 then W/SW on Hwy 16 thru
San Saba to Hwy 29 in Llano
W on Hwy 29 five blocks to Coopers BBQ on S side of the road
ETA Coopers: 11:30-noon
In the end, I'm not sure if we actually followed his route. I was too wound up to pay attention. I just enjoyed the ride!
Waiting for Chickiefly at the appointed spot in Glen Rose - Ed, Drake, Sweeper, and Pilgrim:
I finally met Chickiefly. What a nic! I love it! She arrived and we were off to Hico. We took a break in Hico at The Koffee Kup and had some great pie! Hey, you can't beat pie for breakfast!
Outside the Koffee Kup:
After the break we rode fast and hard. It was exhilarating! I just really enjoyed opening up the Vulcan. I had never ridden that long and that fast. Following the experienced riders was great for me. I felt more comfortable as the day went on. Now I love to take those sweeping curves at a good clip! The route to Fredericksburg had some good scenery, too. I remember noticing pretty splotches of purple flowering trees between the vast green on the roadside.
We were getting hungry and made it to Cooper's at about 12:30. For those who never heard of Cooper's, it's a fantastic Bar-B-Q place in Llano, TX, known for their pork chops. It's certainly a favorite of the DFW VROCers.
In front of Cooper's pit - Ed, Drake, Sweeper, and me, Carlene:
After lunch in Llano, it's only a short trip to Fredericksburg. Well, short if you go straight there! Instead, we took the "Willow City Loop" and saw great scenery, big fluffy bluebonnets, and tranquil streams. I highly recommend this road. The guys graciously waited around while Chickie and I took pictures.
Here's a great shot of Chickiefly in a field of bluebonnets:
Here are more pictures from Willow City Loop. Click on the pictures to view a larger version:
To get to Willow City Loop, take 16 South from Llano heading to Fredericksburg. Here's a map:
After Willow City Loop it was on to Fredericksburg. The Fredericksburg Lodge, now a Super 8, is the main meeting point for the riders. We checked in, cleaned up and went to Luckenbach for a beer. After visiting with other VROCers, I returned to the hotel and went next door to Chili's for dinner with Chickiefly. We met Wag and Robin there and ate with them. They are a great couple, and Wag is really a hoot! You will be happy to note that I did not get a picture of Wag's annual moon which occurred later, back at the hotel.
Pictures at the Fredericksburg Lodge, first night - click to see larger pictures:
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